Authorities in Dubai have issued a renewed warning to residents and visitors amid a rise in online scams linked to fake tickets for concerts, entertainment events, sporting fixtures, and travel bookings. The advisory comes from Dubai Police, which says fraudsters are increasingly exploiting demand for popular events and peak travel periods to deceive buyers through digital platforms.
According to police officials, the scams typically involve professionally designed websites or social media pages that claim to sell tickets for high-profile concerts, sold-out events, or discounted travel packages. These platforms often copy the names, logos, or general branding style of legitimate organisers and ticketing services, making them difficult for users to distinguish from authorised sellers at first glance. In some cases, fake pages are promoted through paid advertisements or direct messages, further increasing their visibility and perceived legitimacy.
Victims are commonly asked to make direct bank transfers or enter debit and credit card details to secure tickets. After payment is made, buyers may receive no confirmation at all, or they may be issued fraudulent tickets that fail at the point of entry. In more serious cases, police report that unauthorised withdrawals or follow-up transactions occur after card details are shared, leading to financial losses beyond the initial purchase.
The warning forms part of an ongoing public awareness drive under the #BewareOfFraud campaign, led by the Anti-Fraud Centre within the General Department of Criminal Investigation. Officials say the campaign reflects a broader pattern of cyber-enabled crime, where speed, urgency, and perceived scarcity are used to pressure individuals into making quick decisions without proper verification.
Dubai Police have advised the public to purchase tickets exclusively through official organiser websites or authorised ticketing platforms, particularly for concerts and major sporting events. Users are encouraged to verify website URLs carefully, avoid links shared through unsolicited messages, and remain sceptical of prices that appear significantly lower than market rates. Secure payment methods that offer consumer protection are also recommended, rather than direct transfers or informal payment requests.
The force has urged anyone who encounters suspicious websites, social media pages, or attempted scams to report them immediately through the Dubai Police smart app, by calling the non-emergency number 901, or via the dedicated eCrime reporting platform. Officials emphasised that early reporting can help prevent further victims and supports wider efforts to track and shut down fraudulent operations.
